FLOAT away on a tide of music and laughter next week as Gilbert and Sullivan returns to the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Huddersfield Gilbert and Sullivan Society are back at the theatre with yet another plum choice from the G and S stable of operettas.

The Gondoliers is a hugely popular show, hardly surprising given its lilting, sparkling music and its huge sense of fun.

Hard to believe that the show was first seen at the Savoy Theatre in London in 1889 where it ran for 554 performances.

Its enduring qualities are its tuneful music and its satirical nod at social snobbery. With much-loved songs such as Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes and When a Merry Maiden Marries this is a whirl of mistaken identity and well kept secrets.

It is just the recipe for an entertaining night out in the company of some of the area’s best Gilbert and Sullivan singers.

The show opens at the LBT on Wednesday where it runs each evening until Saturday. Performances are at 7.15pm and there is also a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

The show is directed by Graham Weston with Simon Ackroyd as musical director.

This production of The Gondoliers marks the artistic team’s sixth production for Huddersfield Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

There are many familiar faces – and voices – too among the cast.

Take a bow Ian Grange and Celia Poole who play the Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro; Anna Trent (Casilda); Steven Greenwood (Luiz); Bruce Merlin (Don Alhambra), Paul Richmond (Marco); Leon Waksberg (Giuseppe) Elaine Richmond (Gianetta) and Becky Gregson-Flynn as Tessa.

Tickets are two for one on the first night. Box office is on 01484 430528.